Artificial intelligence research organization OpenAI has proposed a ban on the use of AI models developed by Chinese lab DeepSeek, citing security risks and alleged ties to the Chinese government. In a policy proposal submitted to the Trump Administration's "AI Action Plan" initiative, OpenAI claims that DeepSeek's models, including its R1 "reasoning" model, are insecure due to the lab's compliance with Chinese law, which requires it to provide user data to the government upon request.

The proposal suggests that the US government consider banning the use of "PRC-produced" AI models in all countries considered "Tier 1" under the Biden Administration's export rules. OpenAI argues that this would prevent privacy and security risks, including the risk of intellectual property theft. However, it is unclear whether OpenAI's references to "models" refer to DeepSeek's API, its open models, or both.

DeepSeek's open models, which are hosted on infrastructure provided by companies such as Microsoft, Perplexity, and Amazon, do not contain mechanisms that would allow the Chinese government to siphon user data. This has raised questions about the validity of OpenAI's claims, and whether the proposal is motivated by competitive concerns rather than genuine security risks.

This is not the first time OpenAI has clashed with DeepSeek. Earlier this year, OpenAI accused DeepSeek of "distilling" knowledge from OpenAI's models against its terms of service. However, OpenAI's new allegations – that DeepSeek is supported by the PRC and under its command – mark a significant escalation of the company's campaign against the Chinese lab.

Despite the lack of a clear link between the Chinese government and DeepSeek, which is a spin-off from a quantitative hedge fund called High-Flyer, the PRC has taken an increased interest in the lab in recent months. DeepSeek founder Liang Wenfeng met with Chinese leader Xi Jinping several weeks ago, fueling speculation about the lab's ties to the government.

The implications of OpenAI's proposal are significant, and could have far-reaching consequences for the development and deployment of AI models globally. If adopted, the ban could limit the use of AI models developed by Chinese companies, potentially stifling innovation and collaboration in the field. However, it could also serve as a necessary measure to protect user data and prevent intellectual property theft.

As the AI industry continues to grapple with the challenges of security, privacy, and national sovereignty, OpenAI's proposal serves as a timely reminder of the need for vigilance and cooperation in the development of AI technologies. Whether or not the proposal is adopted, it is clear that the AI community must come together to address the complex issues surrounding AI development and deployment.